He took part in 12 Antarctic explorations. His scientific research has appeared in 280 articles and reports. Last month CU-Boulder scientist John Behrendt was honored for 40 years of exploration and research.
On Oct. 14 the Italian Antarctic National Research Program and the Academia Nazionale dei Linceia awarded Behrendt the first Felice Ippolito Gold Medal for his "significant and fruitful research in that continent." The medal is named after the late Professor Felice Ippolito, vice president of the Antarctic National Scientific Board at the time of his death.
On Oct. 29, the Colorado Center for the Book named Behrendt co-winner in the Adult Non-Fiction category at the 8th Annual Colorado Book Awards for his book, "Innocents on Ice."
Behrendt is a Senior Research Associate with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at CU-Boulder. "Innocents on Ice" is based on his experiences from a 17-month Antarctic Expedition during the International Geophysical Year 1957-58 and his 40 years of Antarctic research. According to contest judges, the book "captures the drama, grandeur and peril of early Antarctic exploration."
"I was very gratified that the judges, who are not scientists or experts on Antarctica, found my book a worthy non-fiction contribution," said Behrendt. "The coincidence of these two totally unexpected awards, for quite different achievements, indicates a continuing interest in Antarctica by scientists and non-scientists alike."
Behrendt tied with Merrill Gilfillan, author of "Chokeberry Patches," an "evocative exploration of the author聮s travels trough the American Great Plains," according to contest judges.
Law professor and murder mystery novelist Marianne Wesson was also a finalist in the Adult Fiction category for her book, "Render Up the Body." Wesson lost out to Steven Schwartz聮s coming of age novel, "The Good Doctor聮s Son."
The book awards are sponsored by the Colorado Center for the Book. They are given annually to Colorado authors of the best books published each year as judged by a panel from the Colorado book community.
Colorado Center for the Book began the awards as a way to champion Colorado authors and, in particular, to honor the winners and promote their titles throughout Colorado and the nation.